After suffering a stroke, a patient can see objects anywhere in front of him but pays attention only to objects in his right field of vision. When asked to describe these objects, he has difficulty judging their size and distance. What part of the brain was likely damaged by the stroke? a. the left frontal lobe b. the right frontal lobe c. the right parietal lobe d. the corpus callosum

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the symptoms presented: The patient can see objects but only pays attention to those in his right field of vision, and has difficulty judging the size and distance of objects.
2. Understand the role of brain hemispheres in visual processing: The right hemisphere of the brain processes visual information from the left visual field and vice versa. Attention to spatial aspects of the environment is typically a function of the parietal lobe.
3. Link symptoms to specific brain functions: Difficulty in spatial judgment (size and distance) and neglect of one half of the visual field (left side neglect) are indicative of damage to the parietal lobe.
4. Determine the side of the damage: Since the patient neglects the left visual field, the damage is likely in the right hemisphere, which processes information from the left visual field.
5. Choose the correct answer based on the analysis: The right parietal lobe is responsible for processing spatial awareness and attention, matching the symptoms described. Therefore, the correct answer is c. the right parietal lobe.

Key Concepts

Visual Field and Hemispheric Function

The visual field is divided into left and right halves, processed by the opposite hemispheres of the brain. The right hemisphere processes visual information from the left visual field, while the left hemisphere processes the right visual field. Damage to specific areas can lead to deficits in visual perception and attention, often resulting in neglect of one side of the visual field.

Parietal Lobe Functions

The parietal lobe is crucial for integrating sensory information and spatial awareness. It plays a significant role in processing visual information related to size, distance, and spatial relationships. Damage to the right parietal lobe can lead to neglect of the left visual field and difficulties in judging the size and distance of objects.

Stroke and Brain Damage

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to cell death and loss of function in the affected area. The location of the stroke determines the specific deficits experienced by the patient. In this case, damage to the right parietal lobe would explain the patient's neglect of the left visual field and difficulties with spatial judgments.